We are slowly but surely destroying our beautiful oceans and the marine and wildlife that live there.

Here’s another crazy statistic. Currently, only 14% of plastic is collected for recycling. This is according to the World Economic Forum. This compares to the global recycling rates for paper, iron and steel which are all well above 50%. So what’s the problem? Why can’t we come up with a solution that will reduce the amount of plastic in the environment and increase recycling percentages? It appears that each player in the plastic making chain, from suppliers to manufacturers, needs to work cooperatively in coming up with a solution to eradicate this problem. Currently, they can’t get on the same page.

Without a solution, our oceans and marine animals are doomed.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. YOU can be a part of the solution by starting to reduce, reuse and recycle each and every time. Stop using plastic bags completely. Find a reusable shopping bag that you like and use it each and every time. (I just so happen to have a company that makes reusable shopping totes to help solve this very problem) Eliminate your use of plastic water bottles and grab a reusable one instead. I personally love my Yeti and use it for everything from water to hot tea. Recycle your recyclables. (that’s a tongue twister) If everyone does their part while the plastic makers and suppliers come up with a bigger solution, I know we can make a dent in this problem. At the very least, you’ll probably save a sea turtles life.